Sunday, 2 August 2015

Giving Neroli Oil its Due

It is becoming
literally hard to keep up with emerging trends in the niche of natural
fragrances. This trend is gaining a global presence with modern fragrances
ready to invent themselves, patronize the traditions. This week we are
following one such Emerging Perfume Oils—Neroli.
Interpreted as the classic Arabian essential oil with strong notes, it has been
mentioned in Europe too during the 18th century, particularly in Germany.

Origins of Neroli Oil

Traditionalists opine
that the finest type of Neroli Oil is extracted via steam distillation. The blossoms
of a plant called Chinotto. There is some confusion regarding the origin of
this fruity itself. Many people say that the fruit originates in Vietnam and that it was brought to Europe during the Crusades. However, Europeans insist that
a Princess of Nerola pioneered this oil. This is how the oil got its name since
Nerola is located on the outskirts of Rome.

Neroli Oil Extraction Basics

You need to understand
that the difference lies in the pick of a part of the plant. Orange oil can be
extracted from leaves, flowers and fruits but not all such oils are Neroli Oils.
Different oils are produced from different parts of the same plant, such as Bergamot.
You might also get some amount of Petitgrain that is among the lesser known of
pure fruity
essential oils.

What to expect from Neroli Oil?

When you buy pure Neroli
Oil, you are getting a slightly honeyed scent. Some folks might talk about a
metallic tinge but this is seldom felt unless you are a perfume expert. Overall,
the perfume will be sweet. It beautifully combines with citrus oils and is used
in men’s and women’s colognes.

Uses of Neroli Oil

Over the years, Neroli
oil has been incorporated in colognes emerging from Europe
and gaining global fame. However, as a standalone perfume entity, Neroli has
been seldom spoken about much. Usually, added to a blend of volatile oils,
Neroli beautifully complements other pure herbal oils. This includes rosemary
and lavender oils. The scent is somewhat citrusy with many first-time users
referring it to being similar to lemon or orange fragrances. This is reasonably
right as Neroli oil is extracted from orange blooms.

The Curious Case of Neroli Oil

To this day, Neroli has
not been given its due credit, even though used commonly by synthetic
perfume-makers. The actual, true oil is created from the extraction of bitter
orange—a traditional practice seldom followed these days. The citrusy notes are
reasonably strong with a tinge of sweetness. France
has been responsible for bringing some fame to Neroli oil across Europe while Arabian perfumery too has mentions of this
volatile fruity scent.

Contemporary Neroli Oil Marketplace

These days, more recognition
is coming from the Caribbean and Mediterranean—island
nations where some of the most organic bitter orange produces is found. From there,
Neroli Oil makes it some of the biggest international cosmetic brands, used for
soaps, shampoos and some other skincare products. Pure Neroli oil is usually
extracted via distillation. For this, slightly raw orange peels are recommended.
If you happen to buy Neroli Oil from ripe orange peels, the produce will be
essentially an inferior type of Orange
Oil.